Wiring LED strips properly

[dsw422]

Hey guys.. ive tried searching with avail.. Id like to kno how to (with pics preferably) wire multiple LED strips wired to an aftermarket switch.. thanks for any help..

P.s. I do know how to wire them to make them work, but I'd love a professionals input on how to properly do it..

[Toby Ratcliffe]

I would wire them in parallel (all positives connected) with a switch rated for the current draw of the LEDs. If the current draw is larger than the switch you would need to use a relay. There are a lot of variables as well. Are the LEDs chipped so they don't need resistors? How many are you trying to do?

I recommend drawing out what you know, and then simplifying it as much as possible. I am doing this with my motorcycle. Still waiting on the boat from China to deliver my LEDs and quick disconnect harnesses.

[dsw422]

These are the led strips I'm thinking about using.. I'll be using up to 8 of them... I don't kno if these are chipped or not...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CNNB0NM/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1477444642&sr=8-4π=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=blue+led+strip&dpPl=1&dpID=51D0jSSzabL&ref=plSrch

[Toby Ratcliffe]

Yes, those are chipped. See the little black squares between the white squares? Those are your chips. Those are simple low draw LEDs. Hook the reds to a switched 12v source and the blacks to ground. Depending on where you are mounting them it will depend where you get your power from, where your switch will be connected, and if it will be easier to run a relay.

On my bike everything is really close, and my switch is up on my bars. If I wasn't using the factory wiring, I would have to run a power wire to the switch and back. You may have to do the same. Luckily your current draw is ultra small with those lights so you can likely use a 12 gauge wire fused at 1 amp. I did see a current draw spec, but saw the baby wires on the product.

[dsw422]

I'll have these mounted in a port in a wall build.. the switch is on the dash... how would I and why would I need a relay? Thanks for the help

[Toby Ratcliffe]

You would only need to use the relay if the current draw exceeds the switch rating, or exceeds the wire rating in relation to distance.

Since the likelihood of those strips drawing any noticeable current, just run the black wires to ground and connect the red wires to a red wire that you are going to run to your dash, and then to your power source.

Wire the switch based off of the instructions for the particular switch you have. The switch will be in between your LED power wire and your power source. Also fuse the power wire with a simple in-line fuse, so if you short something out, and your wire burns up, your car doesn't burn down from $4 LEDs.

[dsw422]

Thanks for the help